WEEKLY lunchtime concerts at a St Albans city-centre church will continue to benefit Grove House this year.

The day hospice is urging people to make a resolution this month to take an hour out of a busy Wednesday to relax and enjoy uplifting and world-class music in the beautiful, historic surroundings of St Peter’s Church in St Peter’s Street

There is no need to book for the 1pm concerts and refreshments are provided.

The spring season began successfully last Wednesday with an audience of more than 85 people, who were treated to a stunning performance by acclaimed piano duo Isabel Beyer and Harvey Dagul. The couple needed very little introduction to audiences in St Albans, having an international reputation for their piano playing.

This week saw the welcome return of the Purcell School of Music, a group of talented young players performing to an incredibly high standard. One of the top music schools in the country, the Purcell School attracts students from around the world as well as the best of British talent.

The second week in February sees the welcome return of James McVinnie, assistant organist at Westminster Abbey. James is well known here in St Albans, having been an organ scholar at St Albans Abbey before moving on to St Paul’s Cathedral and more recently to his present post. James will be playing the Mander Organ at St Peter’s on Wednesday, February 9.

The Beaumont School Vocal Ensemble, regular performers at St Peters and regular supporters of Grove House, will be performing on Wednesday, February 16, and later in the season there will be appearances from the musicians of St Margaret’s School in Bushey and Princess Helena College in Hitchin.

Concert organiser, Tony Edwards, said: “We are delighted that so many top-class musicians choose to come and play in our lovely church. It means that the church gets used in the day time and we welcome people who may otherwise not visit us.

“All our performers provide their services for free and as a result, we can donate the retiring collection to Grove House as they continue their vital work supporting local people with cancer and life-threatening illness.”

Paul Parrish, fundraising director at Grove House, added: “We are so grateful to Tony and the Reverend Canon, Anne Hollingshurst, vicar at St Peter’s, for their continued support; this is a great way for the local community to enjoy the church and the music and support us here at the hospice. We look forward to our continued association during 2011.”

For further information about Grove House call 01727 731000 or visit www.grove-house.org.uk.

To see the full concert programme visit http://www.stpeterschurch.uk.com/MusicandBells/Concerts/tabid/76/language/en-US/Default.aspx